Georgian Economy Minister: Georgia seeks to strengthen role as regional economic and financial hub

Georgia aims to become not only a transit country but also a major regional hub for economic and financial connectivity, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Tbilisi Financial Summit, Kvrivishvili said Georgia’s strategic location offered significant opportunities for the country to play a leading role in strengthening regional economic ties.

“For the second consecutive year, Georgia is hosting the Tbilisi Financial Summit, bringing together representatives of international financial institutions, central banks, technology companies and the private sector. This year’s main theme - developing regional economic corridors through the integration of policy, finance and technology - is particularly relevant for Georgia”, Kvrivishvili said.

“Our Government’s priorities in this regard are to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, develop transport, logistics and energy infrastructure, and create a favourable environment for international trade and investment”, the Minister added.

Kvrivishvili also highlighted the importance of major strategic infrastructure projects, noting that the government was actively advancing plans for the construction of the Anaklia deep sea port and the development of a new international airport in Vaziani.

“Georgia’s geographical location is a significant advantage, but geography alone cannot guarantee success. The competitiveness of a modern economic corridor depends not only on how quickly cargo moves from one country to another, but also on how quickly and securely capital flows, payments are processed, and trade and investment ties develop among neighbouring countries and across the region”, she said.

The Tbilisi Financial Summit has brought together more than 800 participants from around 60 countries, including approximately 100 high-level speakers representing the public and private sectors.

This year’s summit focuses on strengthening regional financial and economic connectivity, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity in financial systems, and other key issues shaping the future of the global and regional economy.